A theater with all the comforts of home
The best way of getting people to leave their home-theater systems for a night out at the movies just may be making them feel like they’re still at home.
Even if that means letting them kick back, put their feet up and enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine.
“What we’re really trying to do is replicate the comfort of home with a big-screen, movie theater experience,” says Rafe Cohen, president of Galaxy Theatres, whose Green Valley Luxury+ Theatre opens Friday in Henderson.
Galaxy spent close to $4.5 million renovating the former UA Green Valley 8 cinemas at Green Valley Town Center, 4500 E. Sunset Road. By the time construction was finished, about the only thing that remained of the theaters that closed in 2005 were the auditorium walls.
The multiplex includes a Digital Fusion Experience auditorium, Galaxy’s large-format answer to IMAX or Century’s XD screens. But the project’s centerpiece is the reclining seats. Costing $700 apiece, with powered footrests and attached snack tables, they’re in all eight of the auditoriums that seat from 60 to 200 guests. Each aisle is 7 feet wide, allowing moviegoers to lay flat if they choose.
Not only is it the company’s first branded Luxury+ Theatre, it’s the first theater of its kind in the valley. And, since AMC took over the Town Square multiplex in January, it’s also the only one with beer and wine sales.
Unlike the hoops patrons had to jump through to purchase alcohol at the Town Square theaters — even if you bought a drink at the lobby bar, a cocktail server had to carry it to your seat, which had to be in a theater where every other patron was at least 21 years old — Galaxy’s sales will be more in line with those at concerts or sporting events.
Bottled beer (starting at $6), draft beer (starting at $7.50) and wine (starting at $7 a glass) can be purchased at the end of the concession stand, next to the theater’s sausage bar. Although customers will be allowed to carry those drinks into any theater at any time, Cohen stresses employees will prohibit underage drinking.
And the alcoholic drinks, unlike the sodas, will be reasonably sized.
“I’m not going to give you a 32-ounce or a 48-ounce Chardonnay,” Cohen jokes.
The other thing setting the Luxury+ Theatre apart from others in the valley is its reliance on reserved seating. Whether you’re buying a ticket days or minutes in advance, you’ll need to choose your seat during the purchase.
Despite all the amenities, Galaxy is keeping ticket prices in line with other valley theaters. Adult tickets cost $8.50 for matinees and $11 in the evening, senior tickets are $7.50 during the day and $8.50 at night, and children’s tickets cost $7.50 all day. There’s an additional $3 charge for 3-D movies.
Cohen says the multiplex will screen mainstream movies but also will make room for independent films. Although children and families are welcome, the theaters are designed with adults in mind.
They’re also a glimpse into Galaxy’s future. Cohen says he hopes to start retrofitting the theaters at the Cannery in North Las Vegas to fit the Luxury+ brand within the next 60 to 90 days.
“The best thing about it is just sitting in the chair, being extremely comfortable, putting your feet up and getting to watch a movie and enjoy yourself,” Cohen says. “That’s what it’s about.”
For show times and reservations call 442-0244 or go to www.galaxytheatres.com.
Contact Christopher Lawrence at clawrence@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4567.
